Rurik

When I was young, my father owned many longboats, and it seemed natural that I should join his trading ventures. As soon as I was deemed a man, I sailed to Kiev, for I had heard that there were rich pickings to be had there. I dell in with a group of young men who had travelled to join up with the Emperor's new Varangian Guard, to protect his sister, in Byzantium. I spent many years in the service, and was richly rewarded for my efforts.

But there came a time when I began to tire of this life, and yearn for the fjords and mountains again. I made passage on a longship returning to my homeland, with my bondsman, Bjorn, and his sister, Katia. Bjorn had pledged himself to me, in return for their safe passage back, when I found them at a slavers market. Bjorn was a useful giant of a man, always eager in a fight, and reckless with his safety. We became companions and shared many tales and saga's on the long trip home.

The captain of the longship, Dork, said he would give us passage to his home village, and we could make our way onwards from there. When we docked, the whole Burgh came out to meet us, and we were treated as family, along with the crew. Dork's sister, Maia, was Chieftain of the burgh, and I spent many hours in her company, forsaking the gossip, and battle practice of the menfolk, to just talk. I was happy to spend time with her, and I realised that I no longer wanted to return to my own family, but wanted to be with her. We were handfasted and married and settled into the long-house. I also noticed that Bjorn was feeling much the same about Maia's daughter, Solvice. I released his bond, for I was more than happy with his years of service, even if we hadn't reached the allotted 10 years servitude. A princess of the tribe could not lay with a slave!

So that is how I came to be here in Wulfholm. One day men will write saga's of the tales I tell, and the things that I have seen. Until then, I am content to be a member of Wolfguard.